Can 'talk-in' clinics streamline mental health care in London-Middlesex?
A new mental health network called INsite brings together six community agencies
Six mental health and domestic violence agencies in London-Middlesex are working together on a network of 'talk-in' clinics.
The aim is to reduce wait times, and to improve access to multiple services for those who have more than one area of concern.
The six agencies involved in the collaboration are:
- Family Services Thames Valley;
- Anova (formerly Sexual Assault Centre London and Women's Community House);
- Craigwood Children, Youth and Family Services;
- Vanier Children's Services;
- WAYS Mental Health Support; and
- Women's Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy and Area
The two talk-in clinics are located at White Oaks Family Centre in London and the Next Wave Youth Centre in Strathroy.
Reducing wait times through up-front counselling
When a new client arrives at the talk-in clinic, they'll receive their first counselling session right off the bat, rather than simply giving their demographic information and being put on a waitlist, said Leo Desjardins, director of clinical services for Vanier Children's Services.
Clients leave this first session with an action plan that includes immediate next steps for addressing their particular problem.
"You're basically helping people to see the strengths and the resources they currently have," said Desjardins.
Desjardins said about half of those who access this type of single-session intervention therapy only need to do so once.
"Those people feel that the session itself has addressed their issue and they're now able to go forward," said Desjardins.
Access to multiple services
The INsite partnership will also cut down on legwork for those who require services from multiple agencies.
For instance, if a parent visits INsite to access help for their child and it becomes clear that they're experiencing domestic violence, they can be immediately referred to Anova or the Women's Rural Resource Centre without having to call another phone number and make an additional appointment.
"I think that there's always a risk of not pursuing a service when you're now having to, 'Oh I have to get to this next appointment,' or 'I have to call this other place,'" said Desjardins.
The INsite locations will also reduce barriers for parents accessing service by offering child-minding services on-site, he said.
Funding for the two talk-in sites was provided through a grant from the London Community Foundation. Desjardins said he hopes to access more sustainable funding in the future.
The partners also hope to provide web or phone-based services for those in rural areas, and to open a third location with a focus on Indigenous communities.